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Mission, Role and Pledge

Mission

CDC works 24/7 to protect America from health, safety and security threats, both foreign and in the U.S. Whether diseases start at home or abroad, are chronic or acute, curable or preventable, human error or deliberate attack, CDC fights disease and supports communities and citizens to do the same.

CDC increases the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish our mission, CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats, and responds when these arise.

CDC's Role

Detecting and responding to new and emerging health threats

Tackling the biggest health problems causing death and disability for Americans

Putting science and advanced technology into action to prevent disease

Promoting healthy and safe behaviors, communities and environment

Developing leaders and training the public health workforce, including disease detectives

CDC in the 21st Century

Putting science into action – tracking disease and finding out what is making people sick and the most effective ways to prevent it.

Helping medical care – bringing new knowledge to individual health care and community health to save more lives and reduce waste.

Fighting diseases before they reach our borders – detecting and confronting new germs and diseases around the globe to increase our national security.

Nurturing public health - building on our significant contribution to have strong, well-resourced public health leaders and capabilities at national, state and local levels to protect Americans from health threats.

Pledge to the American People

Be a diligent steward of the funds entrusted to our agency

Provide an environment for intellectual and personal growth and integrity

Base all public health decisions on the highest quality scientific data that is derived openly and objectively